Exploring Druze Culture and the Belief in Reincarnation

Where/When: On-line, through ZOOM* and In-Person at Unity of Richmond, 800 Blanton Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, with Potluck Lunch at conclusion.

Program: Between Lives and Legacy: Exploring Druze Culture and the Belief in Reincarnation
The Druze are a unique and deeply spiritual community whose roots trace back to 11th-century Egypt, yet whose cultural and metaphysical traditions remain largely hidden from public view. In this engaging and thought-provoking presentation, Khattar invites us into the heart of Druze identity—where culture, ethics, and the soul’s journey through multiple lifetimes are intimately intertwined.

This talk will explore the foundational beliefs of the Druze faith, including its esoteric origins, its emphasis on unity and divine knowledge, and its strict tradition of spiritual secrecy. We’ll examine how Druze culture has preserved its distinct identity across centuries, despite political upheaval and geographic dispersion.
At the center of the presentation is the Druze belief in reincarnation—known as taqammus—a concept that is not metaphorical but lived and accepted as fact within the community. Khattar will share compelling stories of Druze children who recall past lives with astonishing detail, and how these memories are investigated and often validated by elders. We’ll also compare Druze reincarnation with similar beliefs in Hinduism and Buddhism, and reflect on what these ideas suggest about consciousness, memory, and the continuity of the soul.

This presentation is ideal for those interested in consciousness studies, comparative religion, and the intersection of culture and metaphysics. Whether you’re new to the Druze or curious about reincarnation from a cross-cultural lens, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for how ancient wisdom continues to shape modern spiritual identity.

About Our Presenter: Khattar Hatoum was born in the mountain village of Kafarselwan, Lebanon, into a Druze family whose spiritual traditions and cultural values have shaped his life’s journey. The Druze community, known for its deep metaphysical teachings and strong ethical code, instilled in Khattar a lifelong respect for wisdom, resilience, and inner growth.

In 1996, Khattar immigrated to the United States and began his career as a hairdresser. His path was unconventional, but marked by determination and a thirst for knowledge. At age 37, he returned to school, earning an associate degree in social science from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, followed by a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). He later completed a master’s degree in psychology at American Public University.

Khattar’s academic journey culminated in a PhD in Philosophy, specializing in General and Social Psychology, from Selinus University. He also holds a Professional Doctorate in Mental Health and Family Counseling from Stanford College, UK, and certifications in Substance Abuse Counseling.

His interest in Druze reincarnation is both personal and scholarly. As a member of the Druze community, Khattar brings lived experience and academic insight to a tradition that remains esoteric and misunderstood. His presentations reflect a unique blend of cultural authenticity and psychological depth.

About Central VA IONS Community Group: Central VA IONS Community Group is an unincorporated association and a local community group of The Institute of Noetic Sciences, an international association based in Novato, California (www.noetic.org). Central VA IONS is not associated with any religion, religious organization, doctrine or set of beliefs or practices and is open to all. Central VA IONS is entirely dependent upon voluntary donations of its members and friends to support its programs, mailings and other costs, and a love offering is requested at each meeting from those attending in-person or online. Central VA IONS meetings are held each month at locations announced in its program notices and are open to all. Our website is at richmondions.com.

(Meeting ID: 865 1815 1952, Passcode: 142841)